CSP Business Media Acquires FSTEC

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. -- CSP Business Media has added a technology event to its B2B portfolio serving the $660-billion foodservice industry through the acquisition of FSTEC, the sector's premier technology conference and exhibition.

"We're excited by the addition of FSTEC to our fold because of technology's increasing importance to foodservice executives in all sectors and channels, including nontraditional ones like c-stores," said Mike Wood, CEO of CSP Business Media. "Mobile alone is growing by leaps and bounds. Two-thirds of consumers told the National Restaurant Association researchers they'd use a smartphone or tablet to make a purchase from a restaurant if that option was available to them. That's just one of the game-changing trends we'll address through the 'nex gen' of FSTEC."

The conference has been added to CSP's growing Leadership Conferences division, which also serves the convenience retailing industry through the Outlook Leadership, Convenience Retailing University and FARE: A Foodservice Evolution events.

"FSTEC is an outstanding event," said David Jobe, president of Leadership Conferences.

"We are excited to help develop this platform where the industry leaders can meet face-to-face and build relationships that are vital for business growth. As a leader in both the foodservice and convenience retailing markets, we are excited to bring all our knowledge, resources, assets and most importantly, relationships to help grow this event."

"FSTEC chose to partner with CSP to build its future as they are the leading event organizer in the industry," added Rob Grimes, co-founder of FSTEC. "This partnership will put FSTEC on a trajectory of inspired industry value and growth that cannot be achieved on our own. This is truly a partnership of the best the industry has to offer, and we are thrilled to become a member of the CSP events family."

Grimes will continue to be intimately involved in FSTEC as he will remain the event chairman.

FSTEC is in its 18th year and brings together foodservice operators from all levels and segments to find solutions to common technology challenges. They are joined by leading suppliers ready to deliver products and services that drive revenues and profits. This year's FSTEC will be held Sept. 21 to 23, at the Sheraton New Orleans.

Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.-based CSP Business Media is a business-to-business, multi-media communication company specializing in the convenience retailing, restaurant and on-the-go food industries. In addition to its print products, CSP Business Media has an extensive portfolio of online products including e-newsletters, websites, web conferences, CSPTV and other video products, mobile and tablet apps plus custom solutions. CSP Leadership Conferences & Events produces more than 20 major EduNetworking live conferences and focused meetings.

Since 2003 CSP magazine has ranked No. 1 in readership and market share over all other industry publications. C-store marketers have identified CSP as the preferred magazine source for their trade marketing communications. With industry-leading, highly targeted circulation to more than 100,000 subscribers, CSP reaches the key convenience retailing decision-makers fifteen times a year.